Some recommendations of Rangarajan Comm to be implemented
PM assures full support to empower J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Apr 26: Assuring full support to the J&K Government in exploiting the huge hydro-power potential, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced that work on all the pipeline electricity projects in the State will be started soon.

Dedicating the 390 mw Dul-Hasti Power Project in Kishtwar to the nation, Dr Singh told a public meeting that the hydro-electricity potential of the State, if exploited properly, would make Jammu and Kashmir a prosperous State.

"There is about 14,000 to 15,000 mw hydro power potential, but till now only 1,865 mw electricity is being produced in the State," he said, adding that 90 per cent potential is yet to be harvested.

"The outlook of J&K can be changed if its water resources are exploited properly," Dr Singh said, asserting that the power projects will also generate job opportunities for the locals.

The Prime Minister assured that work on all the pipeline projects, including 100 mw Pakal Dul, 600 mw Kiru and 520 mw Kawar on the Chenab river in Kishtwar, would be started soon.

Taking note of cost escalation due to delays in the projects, Dr Singh stressed on completion of developmental projects in the stipulated period.

Upholding militancy as a deterrent to the developmental process, Dr Singh said the Dul-Hasti Power Project, the foundation stone for which was laid by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, itself took 25 years to be dedicated to the nation.

Referring to the people’s plight during powerless night of winters in this Himalayan State, the Prime Minister promised that the Union Government would put an end to the dark nights and biting cold in the State by making it electricity reliant.

On the State-Centre relationship, he said, "since last five years Union and the State Governments have worked together for the development."

Dr Singh said many recommendations of the Working Groups had been implemented while the Government was considering others as well.

He said the Centre and State Governments would together work on the Working Groups Recommendations.

Dr Singh, who also laid the foundation of the Mini Secretariat here, assured equitable development of all the regions of this culturally diverse State.

Dr Singh said that recommendations of the committee headed by Dr. C. Rangarajan on economic development of Jammu & Kashmir were under active consideration of the Central Government even as some of these had been already implemented. He assured full support of the Central Government for uplift of the State.

He said one of the Working Groups set up for Jammu & Kashmir was specifically tasked to propose measures for development and reconstruction of the State. He said Dr. Rangarajan was heading one of the Task Forces which had submitted a detailed report and presented recommendations on the development of J&K. He said some of the issues had been identified including available natural resources, investment in basic infrastructure especially power, roads, education, health and social sectors, creating congenial environment for massive private investment, balanced development of the three regions of J&K and to ensure that sufficient funds were available for the development of the State.

Dr. Singh said the Rangarajan report had drawn a picture of economic development of J&K. He said the State and the Central Governments were considering these recommendations, adding some of these had already been implemented. He said other issues raised in the report were under consideration. He said no stone would be left unturned in providing maximum assistance to the State. ‘‘The Government tried to involve all groups in the peace process and various sections, regions, religions, parties and communities were invited to the meetings of the Round Table Conferences where they gave their valuable suggestions,’’ he recalled.

Describing the completion of Dul Hasti project as realization of the dream of former Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi who had laid its foundation stone 25 years ago, the Prime Minister said that his Government was keen to remove power scarcity in the State and recalled his maiden visit as the PM to Kashmir where he had assured people that the power sector in J&K would see a transformation. He said inauguration of Dul Hasti power project was a step in that direction. He said like in case of the rest of the country, there was need to undertake reforms and expansion in the State's power sector.

The two issues, he maintained, were interlinked. He said without reforms the power capacity could not be increased. He hoped that the State Government would take appropriate steps to reform power sector and make power projects and distribution system economically more viable. He said the State was highly dependent on hydel power and stressed the need to reduce the gap between demand and supply. He said several steps could be taken to increase power production in J&K, adding that many recommendations had been made in the Rangarajan committee report on this issue. He said there was need for discussion between the Centre and the State Government on how and how far these could be implemented.

He said power was crucial for the industry as it attracts investment which opens employment opportunities for the youth. He said since the last four years the State and the Central Governments had been working together for socio-economic development of J&K. He said all sections of the State had been empowered and measures taken for their welfare.

Referring to inordinate delay in the completion of the Dul Hasti project, the Prime Minister said that development projects must be executed within the timeframe. He called for capacity building for timely completion of projects. He said delay in completion of projects resulted in cost escalation. He stressed on doing away with the casual approach of 'chalta hai' with which, he said, the country's current economic growth rate could not be maintained. He said this would also come in the way of taking the State to the pinnacle of development. He asked people to work with greater dedication to ensure the development of the State and the country.

Earlier, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that four to five more power projects in the State had been identified for execution by NHPC. He said the survey of these projects had been completed and several meetings with the Central Government and within the State were held on this issue. He said within three years some under-execution power projects including the Baglihar hydroelectric power project would be commissioned. The execution of these projects would generate employment for local people.

Mr Azad thanked the Prime Minister for announcing a comprehensive package for Kashmiri Pandits and refugees from PoK and Pakistan during his address to the public meeting at Akhnoor yesterday and said that they had heaved a sigh of relief after the announcement. He also thanked Dr Singh for announcing the central government's initiatives for cross-LoC trade and opening of more routes. He said the PM was taking keen interest in the economic development of J&K and free flow of funds from the Central Government had helped the State in addressing development problems. He hoped that the liberal Central Assistance to J&K would continue in future also.

In his address, Union Minister for Power, Sushil Kumar Shinde said that Dul Hasti power project would greatly contribute to the development of J&K and the country. He assured the Chief Minister that completion of all Central power projects in the State would be speeded up. He said the Prime Minister had asked his Ministry to complete the J&K related power projects urgently. He said a new hydel power policy had been formulated providing for rehabilitation of the people affected by the construction of a power project, besides 12% free power to the concerned State. He said training would be provided to the affected people before the execution of a project so that they get employment in the project.

Present on the occasion were Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S. K. Sinha, Union Minister for Water Resources, Saifuddin Soz, Minister of State for Power, Babu Singh, Minister of State for Social Welfare, G. M. Saroori and MP, Lal Singh. Senior officers of the Union Power Ministry and the State administration including Union Secretary for Power and Chief Secretary, J&K were also present.

Anzar Kashmiri passes away

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Apr 26: World renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri passed away at a private hospital here today following a prolonged illness.

He was 81 and is survived by six daughters and a son.

Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri, who served as the Dean of Islamic Jurisprudence in the famed Darul Uloom Deoband, had written several books on ‘Hadith,’ ‘Fiqh’ and Islamic Law.

He was considered as an authority on ‘Hadith’ and ‘Shariah’.

The Maulana was admitted to Max hospital about a fortnight ago, but showed no signs of improvement and later shifted to Sir Ganga Ram hospital here.

Scores of his followers air-dashed to the national capital from the UK, South Africa and other countries after hearing the news of his illness.

The Maulana was tutored by his illustrious father Maulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri, Maulana Hussain Ahmed Madni and Qari Mohammad Taiyyab, who was the longest serving Chancellor of the Darul Uloom Deoband.

After completing his studies, the Maulana joined the 135-year-old Islamic University and rose to the rank of Dean.

He also set up an Islamic Institute, Jamia Anwar, in memory of his father.

Muslim scholars from across the country have offered condolences on his death.

Menwhile,  Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has expressed profound grief and shock over the demise of the renowned Islamic scholar, Maulana Anzar Shah Kashmiri, who had been ailing for some time.

In a condolence message, he described the Maulana as a widely acclaimed and respected religious scholar who had made a mark in his field. He said the people of the State had a special relationship with the Maulana as he was the son of the legendary Islamic scholar and expert on Hadith, Maulana Anwar Shah Lolabi Kashmiri.

Mr Azad said that in the demise of Maulana Anzar Shah the Muslim world in general and the country in particular had lost a towering personality whose absence would be felt for long. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

PM dedicates Dul Hasti to nation

Excelsior Correspondent

DULHASTI, Apr 26: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today dedicated to the nation, a 390 mw hydro electric power project built on river Chenab in the newly created Kishtwar district of the State.

Mr Singh, who inaugurated the project for which the foundation stone was laid 25 years ago by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, described it as another milestone in tapping the vast hydro power potential in Jammu and Kashmir.

About 20,000 mw of hydro-power potential has been identified in the country’s northern most State and nearly 23 minor and major hydro projects are in the pipeline.

Mr Singh also laid the foundation stone of a Mini Secretariat of Kishtwar through remote control at a function in the Kishtwar town Chowgan Maidan.

This is the second power project on river Chenab after the 360-mw Salal project, which was commissioned in 1994.

Two more hydel power projects - 450 mw Baglihar Hydel Project and 600 mw Sawalakot Hydel Project in Ramban district are under construction on the river.

Describing the project built in the Pir Panjal ranges of Himalayas as an engineering marvel, NHPC (Dulhasti Project) General Manager Roopak Jain said that three turbines of 130 mw each started commercial generation from March 31, 2007 and has already surpassed generation targets.

The first unit of 130 mw was successfully synchronised on February 28, 2007, followed by the second unit on March 18, 2007 and the third on March 26 last year, Jain said.

"It is the most successful unit. Against a target of 1,907 mega units of power generation, it generated 2,207 mega units between march 31, 2007 and march 31, 2008... Creating a record 116 per cent achievement," he said.

The NHPC has set up a 65-meter high, 186-meter long concrete gravity dam with 7.46-meter and 7.7-meter diameter 10.59 km long head.

Besides, the race tunnel has a diameter of 7.46-meter with 298-meter long tail race tunnel and an underground power house that can withstand earthquakes measuring up to 10 on the richter scale, he said.

But the project was marred by delays and cost escalation during the last 25 years. When former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone of the project at Dul village on April 19, 1983, the project cost was estimated at Rs 183 crores.

However, till now, Rs 5,228 crore have been spent on the project. The project was undertaken in collaboration with five French partners.

Work on the project was stopped for over five years from 1991 after a French engineer engaged for the project was abducted from Doda. The engineer was later released.

The work began in 1996 and more funds pumped to complete the mega project.

Located about 25-km north east of the State’s winter capital Jammu, the project provides not only cheaper electricity for commercial selling but also provides jobs to over 3,000 locals.

The electricity generated from the project will be sold to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Uttaranchal.

Jammu and Kashmir is entitled to 12 per cent royalty on the power generated by the project, as laid down in an agreement with the NHPC, the agency executing the project.

The power situation in Kashmir has been a focus area for the State Government for decades.

According to officials, the installed generation capacity of the State of 2008 March was 637.76 mw against a requirement of 1,300 mw, the State owned PDC officials said.

Alleged misappropriation in REG scheme
SAC directs Vigilance for investigations from DIG

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: In a complaint filed by the residents of Rajgarh and Kumait villages in Ramban district alleging misappropriation in the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the State Accountability Commission (SAC) comprising Justice (retd) G L Raina and Justice (retd) Muzaffar Jan today directed the State Vigilance Commissioner (SVO) to get the complaint investigated through an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and file report of investigation within a period of two months.

The complainants submitted before the Accountability Commission that as per the mandate of Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, they were engaged for labour work of 100 days at the rate of Rs 70 per day and subsequently job cards were issued to them.

The complainants were directed to complete assignments within a specific period of time so that a specific amount for a particular task may be given to them. They completed the work upto the satisfaction of the respondents but not even a single penny was paid to them till date.

Since the respondents were not ready to pay for the executed work, the complainants made representations to the Chief Minister, Director Rural Development and Commissioner, State Vigilance Organisation against Block Development Officer (BDO) Ramban and others including two sarpanchs.

But much to their surprise neither any action was taken against the erring respondents nor a single penny was released in their favour. "If an immediate enquiry is not conducted into the matter, the respondents would misappropriate lakhs of rupees and cause huge loss to the public exchequer", the complainants apprehended.

After hearing advocate Amit Gupta appearing for the complainants, Advocates Rozina Afzal and Zamrodh Singh appearing for the respondents and going through the complaint and records made available by the respondents, the Accountability Commission observed that the Government has provided Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for the betterment of down trodden and poor villagers.

"The scheme is alleged to have been exploited by the executive agencies to fill their coffers and manipulate the records", the Commission further observed, adding "the allegations made in this complaint are serious in nature and required a thorough probe by the independent agency. However, this Commission is handicapped because of the lack of technical infrastructure and trained investigating agency".

In these circumstances, the Commission directed Commissioner, State Vigilance Organisation for investigation into the complaint through an officer not below the rank of DIG. The Commission also directed that SVO shall file the report of investigation within a period of two months from the date of this order communicated to the Vigilance Commissioner.

15 AOs transferred
Khandey new DC Ganderbal, Showkat SMC Commissioner

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 26: Government today transferred MD, Handicrafts Development Corporation, Abdul Majid Khandey and posted him as Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, relieving ADC, Ganderbal, AR Lone of the additional charge.

Also, MD, JKHPMC, Showkat Ali has been transferred and posted as Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation following superannuation of Commissioner SMC, Hak Nawaz on April 30.

Meanwhile, Government ordered placement of 15 Account Officers as Incharge Chief Account Officers.

According to an official order, Additional Treasury Officer, Saddar Treasury, Jammu, Harbajan Singh has been posted as Incharge FA&CAO, J&K SC, ST and OBCs Development Corporation Jammu against available vacancy.

Showkat Hussain Mir has been posted as Incharge Senior Accounts Officer in the Finance Department against available vacancy.

Krishan Singh AO in the office of Development Commissioner (Power) J&K has been posted as Incharge FA&CAO, CAPD Department, Civil Secretariat relieving Additional Secretary DR Sharma of the additional charge.

Kulbushan Kumar from Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu has been posted as Incharge CAO, District Rural Development Agency Udhampur against newly created post.

Bharti Samyal has been shifted from Lakhanpur-Sarthal Development Authority and posted as Incharge FA&CAO, Rural Development Department replacing Mohammad Rafi Andrabi.

Treasury Officer Basohli, Sukhwant Kaur Sasan has been shifted as Incharge CAO in the office of Chief Engineer Irrigation and FC Jammu replacing Ashok Kumar Sharma.

ATO District Treasury Kupwara, Haroon Ahmed Bhat has been transferred and posted as Incharge CAO, Directorate of Social Welfare Kashmir against available vacancy.

Accounts Officer, Archana Kumari has been transferred from J&K Power Development Corporation to J&K Public Service Commission as Incharge FA&CAO.

Hemant Prasher has been transferred from Directorate of Command Area Development and posted as Incharge CAO, in the District Fund Office, Jammu against existing vacancy.

Additional Treasury Officer, District Treasury Rajouri, Neeraj Gupta has been shifted and posted as Incharge Chief Accounts Officer in the office of Chief Engineer PWD (Roads and Buildings) replacing Paras Ram.

Accounts Officer, Raman Kumar has been transferred from Directorate of Indian System of Medicines and posted as Incharge FA&CAO in Education Department vice Mohammad Aslam Malik.

Accounts Officer, Showkat Mehboob has been transferred from Directorate of Health Services, Jammu and posted as In charge CAO District Rural Development Agency, Rajouri against newly created post.

Accounts Officer, Vishal Sharma has been transferred from Finance Department and posted as Incharge Deputy Director Codes, Finance Department against a leave reserve post transferred to Finance Department for the purpose of drawal of salary.

Accounts Officer, Directorate of School Education, Jammu, Tabassum has been transferred and posted as Incharge CAO in District Fund Office Reasi against available vacancy.

Similarly, Accounts Officer in Finance Department, Ashok Kumar has been transferred and posted as Incharge FA&CAO in Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Department vice Mohammad Yakoob Ittoo.

Cop helps his militant brother escapes from Lashkar camp

By Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Apr 26: In a major development, a hardcore militant of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) escaped from captivity of the outfit in upper reaches of village Dandigala in Gulabgarh area of Reasi district with the help of his brother, a police constable and surrendered before police and Army.

This is for the first time when a Lashkar commander utilised the services of his constable brother to escape from the militants’ camp along with a weapon of the ultras.

Official sources told the Excelsior that police authorities had for the quite long time deputed a police constable Abdul Aziz to help his brother Shamas Din alias Hamja (code name Shamsher) son of Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Chadol, Gulabgarh to escape from the militants’ camp.

Shamsher was a ‘deputy district commander’ of LeT outfit for Mahore-Gulabgarh belt and had been disarmed for last couple of months as the outfit had managed to get an indication that he was planning to lay down arms and join national mainstream.

Shamsher alias Hamja was being kept under strict surveillance in a Lashkar camp in upper reaches of Dandigala, Gulabgarh. LeT ‘district commander’ of the area, Abu Hurera had himself been keeping a vigil over Hamja.

According to sources, security forces had also intercepted a message of LeT ‘divisional commander’ Abu Tanash to Abu Hurera recently in which the former was heard asking latter to eliminate Shamsher if he didn’t give up the plans of surrender.

Sources said police constable Abdul Aziz, who is being rewarded for his brave and daring act, was all alone trekking the mountains in Gulabgarh to look for the Lashkar camp where Shamsher had been kept in confinement.

At 9.30 pm last night, Abdul Aziz managed to trace the LeT camp and getting an opportunity, when all other Lashkar militants were asleep, succeeded in getting his militant brother rescued from the camp. While fleeing, Shamsher also took with him an AK-47 rifle and some ammunition, belonging to Abu Hurera.

As it was getting dark and both the brothers, who had to reach Reasi to get Shamsher formally surrendered before SSP Reasi J L Sharma, reported at an Army camp where Shamsher laid down arms before Commanding Officer, 59 Rashtriya Rifles (ASSAM) under the aegis of 15 Sector Rashtriya Rifles, Uniform Force.

Soon after the surrender, Army and police raided the militants’ camp this morning but by then all three Lashkar ultras including Abu Hurera, who had been holding Shamsher hostage, had managed to escape, sources said, adding the searches, however, continued to nab the militants.

Shamsher, according to sources, had joined militancy in 2001 and was involved in several subversive activities across Reasi and Ramban districts. It was only sometime back that due to the efforts of his constable brother that Shamsher had agreed to shun the path of violence but his plans were delayed as the militants became doubtful of him.

Meanwhile, security forces recovered one rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds from an Over Ground Worker of the militants at Ashthangam, Marwah in Doda district. Troops of 48 RR recovered 32 detonators, one Chinese pistol, six hand grenades and eatables from a village in Rajouri.

Narayanan visits Vaishno Devi

ExcelsiorCorrespondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan today visited holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji and paid obeisance to the Goddess.

The NSA, who had reached here yesterday along with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, flew-in to the cave shrine and offered prayers at 9.30 am.

Soon after the prayers, Mr Narayanan flew back here and joined the Prime Minister. He returned to New Delhi along with Dr Singh.

IGP Crime and Railways Dr Shesh Pal Vaid, SSP Reasi J L Sharma and SP Katra Ashok Sharma received the NSA at Sanji Chat helipad and briefed him about security arrangements made at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

Word ‘Yuvraj’ insulting: Rahul

KANKERA (Chhattisgarh), Apr 26: Hitting back at political opponents, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today said that the term ‘yuvraj’ used for him was "insulting".

The 39-year-old Congress scion also took exception to his being projected as the future Prime Minister, saying he supports incumbent Manmohan Singh whom he described as "most capable".

"I feel the word ‘yuvraj’ is insulting. India is a democratic country and this word has no meaning today," Gandhi told reporters here when asked for his comments on calling him ‘yuvraj’.

His political opponents, specially Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, describes Gandhi as a ‘yuvraj’ while attacking him.

The description of Gandhi as a "yuvraj" of common man by a Congress member E M Sudarsana Natchiappan also sparked off an uproar in the Rajya Sabha on April 21 with BJP objecting to the use of the term as a blot on democracy.(PTI)

Two criminals held with pistols

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 26: Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu today apprehended two top criminals in the City along with two pistols of 315 bore. They were affiliated with Mohan Cheer gang.

They have been identified as Pushpinder Kumar alias Shama son of Yashpal R/o Rehari and Satya Bushan Dubey alias Kaka son of Radhey Shyam Dubey R/o Vishal Nagar, Talab Tillo.

Both of them were apprehended during a naka laid by the SOG Jammu at BC Road. From their possession, the SOG recovered two pistols of 315 bore. They were later handed over to Bus Stand police station where a case under 3/25 Arms Act has been registered against them.

Arrests were made under the supervision of DIG Jammu range Farooq Khan and SSP Jammu Alok Kumar.

Sources said Kaka had met a criminal Vicky Thakur in the jail and both had hatched a conspiracy to eliminate Minta Langra. Shama had also joined the plot. However, before they could succeed, Minta Langra was arrested by police in connection with a double murder at Shimla.

Haridwar Special on May 4

NEW DELHI, Apr 26: In a bid to tackle additional passenger rush during summers, the Northern Railway will run two summer special trains between Jammu Tawi and Haridwar and Hazrat Nizamuddin and Yaswantpur from next month.

The 2630A/2629A Hazrat Nizamuddin-Yashwantpur superfast special train will leave Hazrat Nizamuddin at 0855 hrs on May 1 to reach Yashwantpur at 0650 hrs the third day. The 2629A special train will leave Yashwantpur at 1110 hrs on May 4 to reach Hazrat Nizamuddin at 1930 hrs the third day. The special train will have AC 2 tier-cum-AC 3 tier, 2nd class sleeper and general accommodation.

It will stop at Jhansi, Bhopal, Pune , Miraj, Belgaum, Hubli and Tumkar stations.

The 4610A/4609A Jammu Tawi-Haridwar Express special will leave Jammu Tawi at 1645 hrs on May 4 to reach Haridwar at 0350 hrs the next day. The 4609A special train will leave Haridwar at 2230 hrs on May 5 to arrive in Jammu Tawi at 1040 hrs the next day. The special train will have AC 2 tier-cum- AC 3 tier, 2nd class sleeper and general accommodation.

It will stop at Chakki Bank, Jalandhar Cantt, Ludhiana, Ambala Cantt, Saharanpur, Roorkee and Jwalapur stations. (UNI)

Salman Pak’s new Foreign Secy

ISLAMABAD, Apr 26: Pakistan Government has appointed Salman Bashir, a career diplomat as the country’s new Foreign Secretary.

Mr Bashir, who would replace Riaz Muhammad Khan, is currently Pakistan’s envoy to China.

Confirming the appointment, Foreign office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said here that Riaz Muhammad Khan, has requested to be relieved of his duties due to personal reasons and health.

The Government has accepted his request and appointed the new Foreign Secretary, he added.

Mr Bashir joined the Foreign office in 1976 and also served as ambassador in different countries and Assistant Director Asia Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (UNI)

EC to discuss poll readiness, voter cards with J&K CEO

NEW DELHI, Apr 27: The Election Commission will "very soon" discuss with the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir issues related to the September Assembly polls, including that of possible misuse of voter identity cards some of which were found from Pakistani militants.

Besides security scenario and preparation of electoral rolls, the meeting will also focus on the issue of voter identity cards.

"In 2002 assembly polls, people were issued electoral identity cards manually by affixing their photographs. The methodology was different then and misuse was possible," Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said when asked to comment on reports that the process of issuance of such cards in the State has come under the EC’s scanner.

The CEC said lack of infrastructure facilities in the militancy-hit state had created hurdles for the Commission in the exercise of issuing the ID cards.

"We are meeting with the CEO of the state very soon to discuss the entire gamut of issues including electoral rolls and identity cards," Gopalaswami said without elaborating.

With voter ID cards being found from several slain foreign militants in the state recently, authorities have decided to re-verify the documents. (PTI)

Militant outfits active in J&K re-grouping in Pakistan

NEW DELHI : Pakistan-based militant outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir have started re-grouping themselves, especially in the port city of Karachi.

According to Pakistani newspaper "Daily Times", outfits like Harkatul Mujahideen (HuM), Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badar have established new offices in the port city and have carried out wall-writing, hoisted flags and displayed posters to inform the public about their activities, including gatherings in mosques in Karachi.

The banned militant outfits were active under new names and they recently held large rallies in Karachi, the paper said.

Harkatul Mujahideen has moved its base from Islamabad to the outskirts of Rawalpindi, and is likely to rename itself as Insarul Ummah. The Jaish-e-Muhammad leadership is in the process of finalising a new name for the outfit.

Harkat-e-Jihad Islami is holding a gathering on May 4 in Kotli of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. The United Jihad Council led by Hizbul Mujahideen also held a meeting in order to discuss a new strategy, the paper said, adding these organisations were expected to be re-active by mid-May.

The HuM has also issued an appeal to the general public on its website for donations and furnished the address of Muslim Commercial Bank’s Shershah Branch in Karachi as the place for depositing the money. (PTI)

High-level rly team arrives in Valley to
review train project

JAMMU : With plans afoot to launch the train services to Valley in june this year, a high-level team of railway officials has arrived in Kashmir to finalise the arrangements and review the present status of the project.

The team-led by Divisional Railway Manager Satish Kumar will check the railway track, DMUs and working of the railway stations at different places along 68-kms of newly created railway track in the Valley during its three-day visit, the sources said.

The team will also review the security measures of the track, operationalibity of the nine railway stations, train trials and technical faults if any on the 68-kms of rail track, they said.

Commissioner Railway Safety will then arrive in Valley in the first week of May and will go for train trials and working of the stations, they said, adding in June train services are expected to start in the Valley.

Other members of the team includes Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Brijesh Dharmani, Divisional Electrical Engineer B S Kharkal and Senior Divisional Financial Advisor Mukesh Mittal.

The nine railway stations along the track had come up at Anantnag, Bijbehara, Panzgam, Awantipura, Kakapura, Pampore, Srinagar, Budgam and Rajvansher.

Railway authorities will run the train from Anantnag to Rajvansher in Baramulla district, they said. (PTI)